DOT Says, Puerto Galera Tourism Unaffected by Spill
The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently released a statement regarding the quality of waters in Puerto Galera, a popular dive destination in the Philippines. The joint report, conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), indicated that there is “no direct link” or evidence that the sunken MT Princess Empress, which caused an oil spill last February, has affected the area.
During a press conference in Malacañang, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated that the DOH had advised the public to proceed with caution, but no swimming ban has been indicated, only that concerns have been expressed in the ingestion of water. Frasco further elaborated that the joint statement means that Puerto Galera’s tourism continues to be open, and there has been no direct attribution in terms of the direct source of the findings, considering the presence of other human and economic activities in Puerto Galera.
The DOH and DENR joint statement dated April 18 showed that only nine out of 35 sampling stations across Puerto Galera met the criteria for water quality guidelines on “oil and grease.” However, DOH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the finding “is not conclusively related” to the recent oil spill.
On the other hand, Small Lalaguna and Big Lalaguna Shoreline, Balete, Central Sabang Shoreline, Coco Beach, Batangas Channel, Paniquian, Balatero, and West San Isidro Bay passed the quality guidelines on “oil and grease” contaminants. Lalaguna was one of the dive sites that Frasco visited earlier for scuba diving.
Puerto Galera is Oriental Mindoro’s top-rated destination, contributing to at least 85 percent of the province’s tourism economy. According to Frasco, the popular diving and beach town generated tourism receipts of more than PHP1.2 billion at its peak. She said that despite the Philippines only reopening in February of last year, Puerto Galera had already raked in half a billion pesos. Frasco is optimistic that the recovery of Puerto Galera, especially in terms of domestic tourism, is well on the way this year. However, she is concerned about the viability of Puerto Galera as a tourism destination as far as international tourism is concerned.
The closure or “perception of the oil spill having reached Puerto Galera” could spell about PHP5.3 million in daily revenue loss. Frasco emphasized that the Department of Tourism is working closely with the DENR, DOH, and other related agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to work hand in hand with the local government unit of Puerto Galera in particular, and the province in general.
According to figures from the provincial tourism office, the province incurred a little more than PHP900 million in losses due to the recent oil spill. Frasco believes that the most important thing right now, as far as tourism is concerned, is to ensure the continued viability of Puerto Galera as a tourism destination, considering that no less than 11,000 tourism workers depend on the industry continuing to be open.
During their visit to Oriental Mindoro on Saturday, national government officials led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with several mayors and community-based tourism organizations regarding the livelihood training for the affected residents. Frasco stated that alternative livelihood trainings would start on April 24 and continue until May. The Marcos administration is carefully balancing the need to protect lives and the livelihood of residents. Frasco thanked President Marcos for continuing to articulate the importance of the tourism industry under his administration, recognizing the massive contribution that it continues to have on the Philippine economy.
Last week, the Chief Executive went to Oriental Mindoro to inspect the oil spill site
Source: https://bit.ly/3KOU2P5
